Transfusion assembly



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TRANSFUSION ASSEMBLY .5% Sheets-5heet 2 Filed March 2l, 1955 w li INVENTUM rijmen/a5 TRANSFUSIGN ASSEMBLY Courtland H. Barr, Sr., Courtland H. Barr, Jr., and

` John W. Barr, Los Angeles, Calif.

`Application March 21, 1955, Serial No. 495,416 16 Claims. (Cl. 141-288) This invention relates to `liquid handling apparatus and has particular reference to apparatus for transfusion of liquids from one vessel to another.

One of the principal objects of this invention is to provide novel transfusion apparatus for transferring liquids from one vessel to another.

` Another object of this invention is to provide transfusion apparatus particularly designed for handling corrosive liquids and liquids which are unstable in the presence of air.

Another object of this invention is to provide transfusion apparatus for handling anhydrous dimethylhydrazine, a highly inflammable fuel used in rocket-type missiles, the apparatus including novel means for transferring the fuel from a storage container to the missile fuel tank without exposure of the fuel to air.

Other objects and `advantages of this invention it is believed will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. i

In thedrawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the apparatus of this invention, the apparatus being in the assembled position ready for transfer of fluid.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary vertical section of the apparatus in the position of Figure l.

Figure 3 is a sectional elevation taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a sectional elevation taken substantially on the line 4-4 of` Figure l, illustrating the use of the filler probe assembly as a tool in removing the missile fuel tank cap.

Figure 5 is a view similar to Figure 4 but illustrating the filler probe assembly in filling position.

Figure 6 is a sectional elevation taken substantially on the line 6-6 of Figure l.

Figure 7 is a view similar to Figure 6, but illustrating the vent tube cap in the open position.

Referring now to the drawings, the apparatus of this invention includes a container or bottle 10, preferably of aluminum or some other metal, having a flanged neck 11 provided with a resilient closure or stopper assembly 12. The stopper assembly has a rubber or rubber-like body or plug portion 13 and an enlarged head portion 14, the lower end of the plug portion being bevelled to seat upon the bevelled shoulder 16 provided internally of the bottle neck 11. Preferably the plug and head portions are fully encased in a sheath 17 of flexible resinous plastic which is impervious to the fluid contained in the bottle. In the case of dimethylhydrazine, Du Ponts Mylar" has beenfound to be suitable for the sheath material. The stopper assembly 12 is maintained in assembled position on the bottle by means of a thin metallic locking ring Ztl which is securely crimped under the flangey of the bottle neck as shown.

The bottle is provided with an annular groove 21 adjacent the lower end thereof, in which is seated a metal `2,817,372. Patented lDec. 24, 1957 lic strap 22. A bail 23 is secured to the strap and provides means for hanging the bottle in the inverted filling position shown.

A vent and drain tube assembly 3ft is provided and this assembly includes a generally U-shaped vent tube 31 and a straight drain tube 32, the two tubes being secured together for relative adjustment by means of a clamp member 33. As shown best in Figure 3, the clamp member is split into two halves, each provided with a pair oflongitudinal grooves 34 and 35 for reception of the respective tubes 31 and 32, the two halves being secured together in clamping relation with respect to the tubes by means of a set screw 36 staked in place to prevent complete disassembly thereof.

The vent tube 31 is U-shaped, as indicated, having a pair of parallel legs 31a and 31b. The leg 31a is provided with a pointed end portion 40 and a plurality of air outlet openings 41 in the cylindrical tube wall adjacent the end portion. Similarly, the drain tube 32 is provided with a pointed end portion 42 and a plurality of liquid drain openings 43 in the cylindrical tube wall adjacent the end portion 42. It will thus be understood that the vent and drain tube assembly may be operably connected to the bottle merely by inserting the pointed tube ends through the stopper assembly to the position shown. The openings 41 and 43, being in the tube walls, eliminate any coring of the stopper material during this operation.

i The leg 31b of the vent tube is provided at its end with a flanged closure plug 45 and a plurality of air inlet openings 46 adjacent the plug. A flexible plastic cap 47 is applied over the tube end, the cap having an end shoulder portion 48 closely fitting the outer wall of the tube in air-tight relationship therewith. The cap 47 functions as a valve, being axially slideable from the position of Figure 6, wherein the air inlet openings 46 are closed off, to the position of Figure 7, wherein the openings 46 are open to atmosphere. In the latter position, the flange of the plug 45 and the shoulder of the cap cooperate to prevent disassembly of the cap from the tube.

A flexible, translucent transfer tubing 50 is secured at one end, by means of a suitable hose clamp element 51, to the end of the drain tube 32, and at the other end, here again by means of a suitable ho-se lclamp element 53, to the upper end of a filler probe assembly 55.

The assembly 55 includes a hollow cylindrical member 56 provided with a threaded portion 57 intermediate the ends thereof. A rectangular tool member 60 extends diametrically across the lower portion of the member 56, being welded to the inner surfaces thereof. The lower portion of the tool member extends downwardly from the lower end of the member 56, and is provided with a pair of openings 62.

As indicated above, the apparatus of this invention is particularly adapted to the transfer of dimethylhydrazine from a storage container (the bottle 10) to the fuel tank of a missile, although the field of use `of 'the apparatus is of course not inherently so limited. Missiles of the type referred to are provided with a fuel tank cap and valve assembly generally indicated 70.

As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the assembly 70 includes a hollow body member 71 secured to the missile flush with the outer skin 72 thereof. The body member is provided with a threaded cap 73 having a screw-driver slot for disassembly thereof. A supply line`74 leads; from the body A member to the missile fuel tank (not shown) and con-` tained within the body member is a ball 75 forming a check valve normally seated against the valve seat 76, the ball being urged into the seated position by means of the helical spring 77.

In use ofthe apparatus of invention, th llltl'fV probe assembly 55 is first used as a tool to remove the missile fuel tank cap 73, the tool member 60 functioning as a screw driver. The assembly 55 is then inserted into the body member 7l and threadedly engaged therewith as shown in Figure 5. During this operation, the tool member 6i) functions as a probe to unseat the ball 75 and thus opening the valve to the fuel tank.

Preferably with the bottle 10 in the inverted position shown, the tube assembly 30 is connected to the bottle by inserting the pointed tube ends through the stopper assembly 12 Ito the position shown, wherein the air outlet openings 41 are above the liquid level 80, and the liquid drain openings 43 are substantially below the fluid level. The apparatus is -thenready for use, and flow of liquid from the 'bottle into the missile fuel tank is started merely by sliding the cap 47 upwardly to open the air inlet holes 46, and raising the bottle above the level of liquid in the fuel tank, thereby siphoning the liquid from the bottle. The flow can be stopped, or the rate thereof can be adjusted, by changing .the position of the cap 47, or by lowering the bottle. Additionally, the amount of liquid dispensed from the bottle can be limited by raising or lowering the drain tube position. After transfer of the liquid has been completed, the bottle is lowered to drain excess liquid back yinto the bottle, the tubing S clamped off and the filling and probe assembly is disconnected from the assembly 7,0, It will be noted that the air inlet openings 46 are above the openings 41 as an insurance against accidental siphoning of' liquid out through the vent tube.

From the above description it will be understood that a simple yet effective assembly for handling dangerous or corrosive liquids has been provided. The handling of dimethylhydrazine has heretofore been particularly troublesome since it is extremely iniiammable and subject to spontaneous combustion upon exposure to air in certain concentrations. Accordingly, this fluid is initially introduced into the bottle under a blanket of inert gas such as nitrogen. It will be understood that the apparatus of this invention permits transfer of this and other liquids without exposure of the liquid to air except the small and harmless quantities thereof which are admitted through theinlet openings 46.

Having fully described our invention, it is to be understood that we do not wish to be limited to the details set forth, but our invention is of the full scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

l.. In` liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having aI pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said openin-g'may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having -an yair :inlet opening, valve means for said inlet opening, and Va liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end.

2. In .liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped ven-t tube, one .leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an lair outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby lsaidl vopening may be positioned in said `container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of 'said `tube remaining exteriorly of said :container and having an air inlet opening, valve means lfor said inlet opening, :and a liquid drain tube havinga pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain openingadjacent said pointed end, said Vvent tube and said drain tube being operably connected together for relative adjustment thereof.

3. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said opening may be positioned ink said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, the inlet opening being above the outlet opening, and a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end.

4, In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, the inlet opening being above the outlet opening, valve means for said inlet opening, and a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end.

5. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, the inlet opening being above the outlet opening, and a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, said vent tube and said drain tube being operably connected together for relative adjustment thereof.

6. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, valve means for said inlet opening, said valve means comprising a exible cap axially slideable on said other leg, and a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end.

7. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination ofV a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means F for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through saidr closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, a exible transfer tubing secured to the other end of said drain tube, and a filler and probe assembly secured to the other end of said tube.

8. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-sliaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, said vent tube and said drain tube being operably connected together for relative adjustment thereof, a flexible transfer tubing secured to the other end of said drain tube, and a filler and probe assembly secured to the other end of said tubing.

9. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, a flexible transfer tubing secured to the other end of said drain tube, and a filler and probe assembly secured to the other end of said tube, said assembly including a cylinder member having a threaded portion intermediate the ends thereof.

10. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a U-shaped vent tube, one leg of said tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure, said leg being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent the pointed end thereof whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other leg of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, a exible transfer tubing secured to the other end of said drain tube, and a filler and probe assembly secured to the other end of said tube, said assembly including a cylinder member having a threaded portion intermediate the ends thereof, and a rectangular tool member extending diametrically across the interior of said cylinder member and depending therefrom.

1l. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a vent tube, one end of said tube being pointed and insertable through said closure, said tube being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent said pointed end whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other end of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, and means operably connecting together said tubes for relative adjustment thereof.

, 12. In liquid transfer apparatus, the` combination of through said closure, said tube being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent said pointed end whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other end of said tube remaining exteriorly of said `container and having an air inlet opening, valve means for said inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, and means operably connecting together said tubes for relative adjustment thereof.

13. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a vent tube, one end of said tube being pointed and insertable through said closure, said tube being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent said pointed end whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other end of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, valve means for said inlet opening, said valve means comprising a ilexible cap axially slideable on said other leg, a liquid drain tube having :a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, and means operably connecting together said tubes for relative adjustment thereof.

14. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a vent tube, one end of said tube being pointed and insertable through said closure, said tube being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent said pointed end whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other end of said tube remaining eXteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, means operably connecting together said tubes for relative adjustment thereof, a flexible transfer tubing secured to the other end of said drain tube, and a filler and probe assembly secured to the other end of said tubing.

15. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a vent tube, one end of said tube being pointed and insertable through said closure, said tube being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent said pointed end whereby said opening may be positioned in said container above the liquid level therein, the other end of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided with a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, means operably connecting together said tubes for relative adjustment thereof, a flexible transfer tubing secured to the other end of said drain tube, and a filler and probe assembly secured to the other end of said tubing, said assembly including a cylinder member having a threaded portion intermediate the ends thereof.

16. In liquid transfer apparatus, the combination of a liquid storage container having a pierceable closure, means for supporting said container in an inverted position with said closure on the underside thereof, a vent tube, one end of said tube being pointed and insertable through said closure, said tube being of substantial length and having an air outlet opening adjacent said pointed end wherebyy said opening may be positioned in said container abovev the liquid level therein, the other end of said tube remaining exteriorly of said container and having an air inlet opening, a liquid drain tube having a pointed end insertable through said closure and provided With a drain opening adjacent said pointed end, means operably connecting together said tubes for relative adjustment thereof, a flexible transfer tubing secured to the other end of said drain tube, and a filler and probe assembly secured to the other end of said tubing, said assembly including a cylinder member having a threaded portion intermediate the ends thereof, and a rectangular 'n tool member extending diametrically across the interior of said cylinder member and depending therefrom.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,208,550 Shapiro July 16, 1940l 2,231,418 Trotter Feb. 11, 1941 2,409,343 Curtis Oct. 15, 1946 2,612,160 Barr Sept. 30, 1952 2,628,741 Wilds Feb. 17, 1953 2,681,654 Ryan et al `lune 22, 1954 

